The CDC is switching back to ‘monkeypox’

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Good morning. As the insightful Rose Broderick previously noted, remarkable STAT stories await those willing to explore. In particular, a touching narrative in The Guardian shares Florence Welch’s challenging journey through an ectopic pregnancy. Wishing her the best during this trying time.

Anthony Letai Appointed as New NCI Director

Yesterday, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially welcomed Anthony Letai as the new director of the National Cancer Institute. This role has remained unfilled since the previous director’s resignation early in the Trump administration, and Letai was long considered a key candidate.

“His appointment couldn’t come at a better time,” stated Diana Azzam, a prominent cancer researcher and board member of the Society for Functional Precision Medicine, where Letai holds the presidency. “He’s straightforward and candid about his beliefs, which are essential qualities for leadership at NCI.” For further insights, check out the coverage by Matthew Herper and Angus Chen on the new director. Review more here.

CDC Reverts to ‘Monkeypox’ Terminology

In a surprising shift, the CDC’s website has returned to using the term “monkeypox” instead of the newer name “mpox,” which the WHO initiated phasing out in late 2022 due to concerns about stigma associated with the former name. This initial change was accepted by the global scientific community as necessary for a more sensitive approach to disease naming.

An HHS spokesperson clarified in an email, “Monkeypox is the name of the viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.” However, they did not elaborate on the reasons for this terminology switch. Joseph Cherabie, an infectious disease physician, branded the decision as a “provocation,” suggesting it aligns with the current administration’s inclination to revert to divisive terminology.

99% of Cardiovascular Events Linked to Risk Factors

A recently published prospective cohort study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveals a staggering statistic: 99% of individuals who experienced a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke had at least one identifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease prior to the event. This finding underscores the notion that serious cardiovascular events are often predictable. Read more details from STAT’s Liz Cooney. Explore further.

Study Finds Cannabis Extract Effective for Chronic Back Pain

A phase three randomized controlled trial published in Nature Medicine confirms that a cannabis extract named VER-01, containing 5% THC, is both safe and effective for alleviating chronic lower back pain without inducing dependence or withdrawal symptoms. The study involved 820 adults, with half receiving the extract and the other half receiving a placebo.

Participants on the cannabis extract reported an average reduction of nearly 2 points in pain on a 10-point scale after three months, compared to a mere 0.6 point reduction in the placebo group. While around 83% of those taking the drug did experience some adverse effects, these were primarily mild, including dizziness and drowsiness. The authors highlighted the significant pain relief as a promising alternative to NSAIDs and opioids and hinted at a forthcoming publication comparing VER-01 directly to opioid treatments.

Insights from Former CDC Director on America’s Health Challenges

In the wake of discussions at the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting, there’s a potential move to discontinue the universal hepatitis B birth-dose vaccination in the U.S. In a recent First Opinion essay, former CDC director Tom Frieden describes such steps as part of a disconcerting trend of retracting effective life-saving interventions. His new book, released today, outlines a three-pronged strategy to confront and understand public health threats: perceive the unnoticed, recognize the possibility of change, and develop scalable solutions. Read more here.

What We’re Reading

• A Neglected Diabetes Type Gets Identified, NPR

• Shutdown Dynamics Reveal Health Law Shortcomings, Washington Post

• First Opinion: Economic Value of Saving a Child’s Life?STAT
• DOJ Takes Legal Action Over Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Using Abortion Clinic Law, Reuters
• Investors in AHA: ‘Investing in Good Medicine is Smart Business,’ STAT